rate disposal), distribution and losses in the storage and distribution system.Desalination technology has been extensively developed over the past 50 years to the point where it is routinely considered and reliably used to produce fresh water from saline sources. This has effectively made the use of saline waters for water resource development possible. The cost for desalination can be significant because of its intensive use of energy. However, in many areas of the world, the cost to desalinate saline water is less than other alternatives that may exist or may be considered for the future.Desalinated water is used as a main source of municipal supply in many areas of the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Middle East. Desalting is also being used or considered for many coastal urban areas in the USA, Asia, and other areas and where it is proving more economical than available conventional sources. The use of desalination technologies, especially for softening mildly brackish waters is rapidly increasing in the USA.There is no best method of desalination. Generally, distillation and reverse osmosis are used for seawater desalting, while reverse osmosis and electrodialysis are used to desalt brackish water. However, the selection of a process should depend on a careful study of site conditions and the application at hand. Local circumstances will always play a significant role in determining the most appropriate process for an area.The best desalination system should be more than economically reasonable in the study stage. It should work when it is installed and continue to work and deliver suitable amounts of fresh water at the expected quantity, quality, and cost for the life of a project....
